It was close in the first half, but the UNC was unable to keep up with Virginia following halftime in a 31-21 loss to the surging Cavaliers.

The Tar Heels came out of the gates hot, scoring a touchdown on an 11 play, 75-yard drive on its first possession. UNC averaged 6.3 yards per play in the first half and racked up 177 yards, the majority of which came through the air via junior quarterback Nathan Elliott. As such, the halftime score was a close 17-14 lead for the Cavaliers.

Unfortunately, UNC was not able to find the same success in the second half. Virginia opened the third quarter with a touchdown drive as compared to the Tar Heels’ three straight three-and-outs.

It was an up-and-down game for Elliott. The junior was able to find success throwing the ball down the field at times, but also missed wide open receivers at other times. Overall, he finished 22/38 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

The Tar Heels also struggled running the ball, which had been one of the team’s strengths heading into the game. Tailbacks Antonio Williams, Michael Carter and Jordon Brown combined for just 70 yards on 19 carries (3.6 yards per carry).

On the opposite side of the ball, Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins lived up to his “dual-threat” label. He passed for 217 yards and three scores, but also ran for 112 yards and another score on the ground. Perkins was quickly established as Virginia’s focal point on offense and the Cavaliers ran him 21 times in the game.

To UNC’s credit, the Tar Heels made the game close at the end. A 1-yard rushing touchdown by Carter cut into the lead and made it a 31-21 game with eight minutes remaining in the game.

However, an incomplete pass from Elliott on fourth down with two minutes remaining in the game gave the ball back to the Cavaliers.

This loss drops North Carolina to 1-6 on the season and 1-4 in conference play. With Georgia Tech, Duke, Western Carolina and NC State remaining on the schedule, the Tar Heels will have to rebound in order to secure a win or two to end the season.

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